I just got an email from U of M HR asking me to give up and just accept a wage offer I know to be less than what they are able to pay, and certainly less than what I know I need. I mean come on!
In this last year I took a look at what I would need to do to get myself in to a house of my own. I'm 46 years old and its time I got around to doing this. Based on my modest expenses and currently devalued wages I would still be $5,000 short of a 20% down payment on a home by the year 2010. So I'm still more than 3 years away from getting close to having my own home. Isn't this supposed to be a goal that I'm able to reach in 1 lifetime?
That's based on a median price of $220, 000 for the year 2007, and planning on buying a home that needs some work. Also I don't have kids, and my vehicles are paid off. How are folks trying to raise kids supposed to afford a home when I can't make it work with out all the expenses related to raising children?
I feel the hurt too. But it makes me want to talk to anyone who will listen, (and some who won't) to try to get them to understand the issues are we are up against, and why the union was voted in. It really is unbelievable what you have to go through to get a fair shake in this job market.
This kind of wage offer from management and having to listen to fools chime in about how our jobs really aren't something that the university should be involved in really starts a fire in my chest. Not to mention the built in cost of working at the U like having to pay for parking especially now that the least expensive parking option has been significantly reduced.
I know I'm giving 110% on the job so I'm not ashamed to say I deserve to be paid fairly.
I'm not on the negotiating committee this round but the way that administration usually drags their feet, I believe that it is doubtful. We will in all likelyhood be working under the current contract while the committee is negotiating.
First call the Chief Steward at (612) 940-0660. I’ll put you in touch with one of our shop stewards.
What is a steward?
A steward is a co-worker and union member who has been trained to assist employees in solving workplace problems and to enforce and protect the contract. Our stewards provide representation when employees need assistance. When your coworkers are acting on behalf of the union in a steward capacity, they have special recognition provided by our contract. They are on equal footing with management.
Use your steward as a resource
If you have questions about work rules, a workplace situation or union activities, consult with your union steward. If she/he doesn’t know the answer, they will find it for you. The strength of any union depends on having a large, active, and educated membership. Stewards play a key role in achieving all these goals. As the number of educated members grows, so does the amount of influence we can exert on the University in order to effect positive change.
If you are interested in becoming a steward, call our Chief Steward at (612) 940-0660.
U of M HR plea for submission
I just got an email from U of M HR asking me to give up and just accept a wage offer I know to be less than what they are able to pay, and certainly less than what I know I need. I mean come on!
In this last year I took a look at what I would need to do to get myself in to a house of my own. I'm 46 years old and its time I got around to doing this. Based on my modest expenses and currently devalued wages I would still be $5,000 short of a 20% down payment on a home by the year 2010. So I'm still more than 3 years away from getting close to having my own home. Isn't this supposed to be a goal that I'm able to reach in 1 lifetime?
That's based on a median price of $220, 000 for the year 2007, and planning on buying a home that needs some work. Also I don't have kids, and my vehicles are paid off. How are folks trying to raise kids supposed to afford a home when I can't make it work with out all the expenses related to raising children?
Contract negotiations
Reading the minutes from the last meeting leaves me contemplating walking off the job. 1%! Im insulted and hurt.
I'm feeling it.
I feel the hurt too. But it makes me want to talk to anyone who will listen, (and some who won't) to try to get them to understand the issues are we are up against, and why the union was voted in. It really is unbelievable what you have to go through to get a fair shake in this job market.
This kind of wage offer from management and having to listen to fools chime in about how our jobs really aren't something that the university should be involved in really starts a fire in my chest. Not to mention the built in cost of working at the U like having to pay for parking especially now that the least expensive parking option has been significantly reduced.
I know I'm giving 110% on the job so I'm not ashamed to say I deserve to be paid fairly.
before July 1, 2007?
I'm not on the negotiating committee this round but the way that administration usually drags their feet, I believe that it is doubtful. We will in all likelyhood be working under the current contract while the committee is negotiating.